Killing a man in defense of an idea is not defending an idea; it is killing a man.
Through most of my career, I've made a decent living making movies no one wants to see.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the irony of creating art that may not be commercially successful, yet still brings fulfillment to the creator.
Jean-Luc Godard's quote reflects the struggle and dedication of artists who produce films that may not resonate with mainstream audiences. It underscores the notion that creating art is not solely about financial success, but also about personal expression and passion. Godard's acknowledgment of this reality speaks to the complicated relationship between art, popularity, and the fulfillment an artist derives from their craft, regardless of public reception.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about independent filmmaking, this quote might illustrate the often overlooked passion behind less mainstream projects.
More from Jean-Luc Godard
All quotes →I don't think you should feel about a film. You should feel about a woman, not a movie. You can't kiss a movie.
Sometime reality is too complex. Stories give it form.
More or less, I am always saying, 'Give me more. Let's do what has not been done.'
Objects exist and if one pays more attention to them than to people, it is precisely because they exist more than the people. Dead objects are still alive. Living people are often already dead.
Cinema is not a series of abstract ideas, but rather the phrasing of moments.
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Regardless of theology or however you see life or relate to worshiping God, as an artist, my job is to tell the truth and then try to connect with these characters and people as honestly and deeply as possible.
A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.
The sound of colors is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with base notes, or dark lake with the treble.
Vinyl survived, we managed not to kill it. Knowing that you’ve taken part in this fight... You can’t imagine the happiness it brings. Every time I see a kid going out of the store with a vinyl record under the arms, my heart beats faster. Music should only be this. An intense emotion.
What they don't teach you in art school is how your whole life is about discovering who you already were.